Why Are Scrap Catalytic Converters Valuable ?

Gaseous emission from internal combustion is a major air pollutant. It contributes more to air pollution in cities due to the existence of many automobiles. Fortunately, the catalytic converter helps to minimize the emission of gases from vehicles. It is a unit fitted within the exhaust system and close to the engine of a vehicle.

The catalytic converters retain engine parameters at levels optimal for combustion. They also keep the combustion temperature moderately low. These exhaust emission control devices catalyze a redox reaction to convert toxic gases from internal combustion engines into less harmful pollutants. With the use of metallic catalysts, the catalytic converters promote the reaction at lower temperatures.

Noble metals like Rhodium (Rh), Platinum (Pt), and Palladium (Pd) or a base metal like Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu) are used as catalysts. Also, metal oxides of cobalt, vanadium, copper, and iron chromate may be considered. However, noble metals are regarded as better catalysts due to the following reasons.

• Unlike other catalyst types, smaller volumes of noble metals produce equivalent catalytic activation.

• At temperatures below 500 oC, sulphur in the fuel is less likely to deactivate them.

• They have greater cold-start performance than other catalyst types.

• Their specific activity for hydrogen oxidation is high.

Are catalytic converters worth anything as scrap ?

The catalytic converter in most vehicles is simply a stainless steel shell-like device. Within it, is a ceramic honeycomb monolith coated with metals (Platinum, Rhodium, and Palladium) through which the vehicle exhaust passes. When heated, the metals act as catalysts. They convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen.

As a catalyst, Rhodium helps to detoxify gaseous pollutants in exhaust gases. This metal is more valuable than gold, silver, or platinum. It is corrosion-resistant and chemically inert. This precious metal is the reason why thieves steal catalytic converters. Then, they saw it off to get the metallic catalyst. Rhodium is considered the most valuable metal in the world.

These metal catalysts are rare and expensive. Closed mines contributed to the scarcity of Rhodium, Platinum, and Palladium. As a result, refineries supplying these metals couldn't satisfy the increasing demand for them worldwide. The deficit supply created a spike in the prices of these metals. Recycling is the only alternative source for them. This option made catalytic converters valuable as scrap.

Catalogue of scrap catalysts is available on websites online. You can filter your search for scrap catalytic converters by XRF values or car brands. Besides, scrap catalytic converters prices are on the database of the sites. The pictures of the sampled devices are also available. You are sure to find a device that will satisfy your needs when you look up the catalogue of scrap catalysts.

Why do people steal catalytic converters ?

Recycled platinum metals and other precious metals are mostly used by car manufacturers. Their recycling costs are lower than the cost of production from their ores. Besides, the recycling process is more environmental-friendly as it produces less pollution. It also consumes fewer materials and energy.

Recycling scrap catalytic converters is profitable. Unfortunately, it has led to thefts of emission control devices. Rhodium and other precious metals are potential targets for thieves who want to profit from the recycling of these metals. Without specific marks, you cannot differentiate a catalytic converter that came off your car from other devices. Such a situation makes it difficult to recover stolen catalytic converters.

How to prepare your catalytic converter for recycling

Do you want to make some money from a catalytic converter replaced on your vehicle? You need to know the worth of the device before you take it to a scrapyard. An online catalogue of scrap catalysts can give you a clue about the prices. Here are some steps you will take to prepare the catalytic converter for scrap.

Information about the device

Know the code on the device, if any. It will help the scrapyard to give you a fair price quote for your catalytic converter. The brand, model, and year of production of the car from which your device was replaced is also necessary. You can online catalogue of scrap catalysts for the worth of catalytic converters similar to yours.

Origin of the catalytic converter

An original catalytic converter will fetch you a higher scrap value price. If the device was installed after the factory construction of your vehicle, you will receive a lower price. A shiny silver shield, often with an arrow, wrapped around a catalytic converter is an indicator of an aftermath device.

The arrow shows the direction of airflow via the exhaust system. It helps a mechanic to properly install the device. Factories follow regulations and standards in the production of original catalytic converters. Unlike the aftermath producers, they use the right materials for the catalytic converters. As a result, they have a higher scrap value price.

You can remove the exhaust pipes at the ends of the catalytic converter when you prepare it for the scrap. Cut them close to the shell of the device but don't remove the honeycomb inside it. The removal of the pipes gives the yard less work and will fetch you a higher price.